The Overload ability is granted by the Electronics talent. Its use is modified in combination with other talents, including Damping.

Overload is best used at the beginning of a battle to give you an instant edge over your enemies, allowing you to spend less time taking down their shields and more time killing them. It is effective against larger enemies like Geth Armatures and Krogan Battlemasters, who often fully recharge their shields when close to death. Overload will also damage the hexagonal 'Geth Barriers'. Similarly to Sabotage, it can be used to blow up fuel tanks and containment cells for environmental damage.

Note: If Liara learns all available biotic abilities, the Overload ability becomes hidden in the HUD/Power Wheel. Liara will only be able to use Overload if the Squad Power Usage option is set to Active.